Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act andthe Indian Health Service

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as the health care law, was created to expand access to coverage, control health care costs, and improve health care quality and coordination. The ACA also includes permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which extends current law and authorizes new programs and services within the Indian Health Service.

The Affordable Care Act andAmerican Indians and Alaska Natives

For American Indians and Alaska Natives, the ACA will help address health disparities by investing in prevention and wellness and increasing access to affordable health coverage.

The ACA provides American Indians and Alaska Natives with more choices; depending on your eligibility and the coverage available in your state, you can:

Continue to use IHS, tribal, and/or urban Indian health programs

Enroll in a qualified health plan (QHP) through the Marketplace

Access coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program

If you choose to enroll in a QHP through the Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you may qualify for special benefits and protections offered to American Indians and Alaska Natives.